Hong Kong Airlines Launch Los Angeles Service

Hong Kong Airlines Launch Los Angeles Service

Dec 18 2017 : Hong Kong Airlines commenced the launch of its non-stop service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Hong Kong (HKG) with an exclusive media event and Matt Hartman was there to cover the event.

The in-bound flight operated by B- LGC received a warm welcome from Hong Kong Airlines leaders, cabin crew, members of the media, and invited guests as they gathered in front of gate 134 in the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX to celebrate the first landing of an Airbus A350 at the airport. Prior to the takeoff of the inaugural flight from LAX, Hong Kong Airlines’ Chief Marketing Officer George Liu, along with Ambassador Nina Hachigian, Deputy Mayor for International Affairs for the City of Los Angeles and Keith Wilschetz, Deputy Executive Director of Operations and Emergency Management, Los Angeles World Airports, lead a press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony for passengers and invited guests. The new LAX-HKG route expands the airline’s presence in North America, following its introduction of daily service from Vancouver International Airport in June. The route also strengthens the connection between major international destinations, further enhancing Hong Kong’s position as a global aviation hub.

“With the launch of our Los Angeles route, we not only celebrate our entrance into the continental U.S.,
we are also one step closer to completing our transition from a regional airline to a global carrier”, said Liu. Hong Kong Airlines is excited to offer a new option to travellers flying to Hong Kong and beyond through our extensive network in Asia.”

“On behalf of Mayor Eric Garcetti, I welcome Hong Kong Airlines to Los Angeles, and commend it for selecting LA to launch the airline’s first non-stop flight in the continental United States,” said Ambassador Nina Hachigian, Deputy Mayor for International Affairs. “Connecting people, places, and cultures is our core mission, which is why we are so pleased to welcome Hong Kong Airlines to Los Angeles, and to celebrate the first ever A350 aircraft to land at LAX,” said Keith Wilschetz, Deputy Executive Director for Operations and Emergency Management for LAWA. “We know
this new route will help further cultural understanding and allow the two regions to better share the best of what they have to offer.”

Additionally, at the event, Hong Kong Airlines announced a new partnership with Volunteers in Asia (VIA), a San Francisco based NGO with the goal of providing rich, immersive, cross-cultural learning experiences in the U.S. and Asia that transcend boundaries, transform lives, and strengthen the global community. The partnership will be a part of Hong Kong Airlines’ global Embrace the World program, through which the airline will donate 20 round-trip tickets to support travel between the U.S. and Hong Kong for program participants that demonstrate an exceptionally high potential. “VIA is extremely excited and proud to partner with Hong Kong Airlines,” said Kazutoh Ishida, PhD, Executive Director of VIA. “Our partnership will support VIA’s program participants from the U.S. and Asia to cross the Pacific to engage in transformative programs and bring positive impact to the communities we serve.”

Hong Kong Airlines’ LAX-HKG route will be serviced by a fleet of Airbus A350s, the first of this model to service LAX. The HKA A350 has a wide-body cabin with 334 newly designed seats to provide travellers with more space, including fully reclining flat-bed seats in Business Class. Hong Kong Airlines’ in-flight experience includes the latest high-definition TV screens offering a variety of entertainment and information, as well as in-air Wi-Fi services.

When it comes time to dine, passengers can enjoy an authentic taste of Hong Kong in both Business Class and Economy. For the design of its in-flight menus and other promotional materials, Hong Kong Airlines has partnered with illustrator Victo Ngai. Ngai—who also attended the LAX inaugural event—finds inspiration in local Hong Kong culture and street food to develop illustrations symbolizing different attractions in the city. Additionally, the airline has teamed up with JIA, a tableware brand that blends cutting-edge Western design and contemporary Asian food culture to showcase Hong Kong’s distinct heritage. New tableware premiering on the route includes salt and pepper shakers designed in the shapes of popular Dim Sum, Ha Gow (prawn dumpling) and Siu Mai (pork dumpling).

“We are proud to provide state-of-the-art aircraft and enhanced in-flight amenities for our Los Angeles to Hong Kong route as a testament to our commitment to delivering more for less and providing a truly Hong Kong experience, Liu added. “Our dedication also extends to providing reliable, on-time service. In fact, we were recently named the most punctual carrier for October 2017 by leading air travel intelligence company OAG.”

Hong Kong Airlines’ LAX-HKG service currently runs four times weekly, including every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Daily service begins January 16, 2018. Hong Kong Airlines’ flight departs LAX at 10:45 a.m. and arrives in Hong Kong at 6:20 p.m. the following day. Tickets for Hong Kong Airlines’ LAX-HKG route are available for purchase at www.hkairlines.com with Business Class tickets starting at $5,271.10 and Economy Class tickets starting at $786.10.